Imperial Russia: A Two-Week Journey Through History & Culture
From Moscow's Red Square to St. Petersburg's Palaces
Trip Overview
This comprehensive two-week journey explores Russia's most magnificent imperial cities and cultural treasures. Begin in Moscow, discovering the Kremlin's secrets and world-class art collections before traveling to historic Kazan to experience Tatar culture. The journey culminates in St. Petersburg, Russia's cultural capital, where you'll explore opulent palaces, world-renowned museums, and grand architecture. This itinerary balances iconic landmarks with immersive cultural experiences, including traditional cuisine, vodka tastings, and insights into Russia's space exploration history. The pace allows time to truly appreciate each city's unique character while covering essential highlights. You'll experience the grandeur of imperial Russia alongside contemporary Russian life, creating a rich understanding of this vast nation's complexity and beauty.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival & The Heart of Moscow
Where to Stay Tonight
Kitai-Gorod or near Red Square (Mid-range hotel within walking distance of major sites)
Central location allows easy access to Moscow's historic core and minimizes transportation needs
Inside the Kremlin Walls
Where to Stay Tonight
Kitai-Gorod or near Red Square (Same accommodation as Day 1)
Staying in the same location maximizes exploration time and comfort
Art & Aristocratic Estates
Where to Stay Tonight
Kitai-Gorod or near Red Square (Same accommodation)
Final night in central Moscow before tomorrow's day trip
Royal Splendor at Tsaritsyno
Where to Stay Tonight
Kitai-Gorod or near Red Square (Same accommodation)
Convenient for early departure to Kazan tomorrow
Journey to Kazan
Where to Stay Tonight
Near Bauman Street or Kremlin (Mid-range hotel in the historic center)
Central location provides easy access to Kazan's main attractions
The Kazan Kremlin
Where to Stay Tonight
Near Bauman Street or Kremlin (Same accommodation as Day 5)
Convenient location for continued Kazan exploration
Kazan to St. Petersburg
Where to Stay Tonight
Nevsky Prospekt or historic center (Mid-range hotel near major attractions)
Central location on or near Nevsky Prospekt provides access to most major sites
Hermitage Masterpieces
Where to Stay Tonight
Nevsky Prospekt or historic center (Same accommodation)
Convenient for continued exploration of central St. Petersburg
Peter's Fortress & Russian Art
Where to Stay Tonight
Nevsky Prospekt or historic center (Same accommodation)
Central location continues to be ideal for daily explorations
Peterhof Palace & Gardens
Where to Stay Tonight
Nevsky Prospekt or historic center (Same accommodation)
Return to your central St. Petersburg base
Cathedral Splendor & Fabergé Treasures
Where to Stay Tonight
Nevsky Prospekt or historic center (Same accommodation)
Convenient location for final days in St. Petersburg
Grand Maket & Vodka Heritage
Where to Stay Tonight
Nevsky Prospekt or historic center (Same accommodation)
Final nights in St. Petersburg before departure
The Pushkin Museum & Leisure
Where to Stay Tonight
Nevsky Prospekt or historic center (Same accommodation)
Final night before departure
Departure Day
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A (N/A)
Departure day
Practical Information
Getting Around
In Moscow and St. Petersburg, use the excellent metro systems—efficient, cheap, and stations are architectural attractions themselves. Download Yandex Metro app for navigation. Between cities, book trains through RZD (Russian Railways) or domestic flights. For Peterhof, take the hydrofoil in summer or suburban train year-round. Taxis are affordable via Yandex Taxi app. Consider purchasing a Troika card in Moscow or Podorozhnik card in St. Petersburg for convenient metro travel. Most attractions are walkable in city centers, making comfortable shoes essential.
Book Ahead
Book these well ahead: Russian visa (apply 6-8 weeks before travel), Armoury Chamber tickets (2-4 weeks), Peterhof Grand Palace (1-2 weeks), Hermitage tickets (online to skip queues), ballet/opera performances (2-4 weeks), train tickets between cities (2-3 weeks for best prices), and accommodation during peak season (May-September). Museum tickets can often be purchased online 1-2 weeks ahead.
Packing Essentials
Valid passport with Russian visa, photocopies of documents, visa invitation letter, travel insurance, Russian phrasebook or translation app, power adapter (Type C/F European plugs), comfortable walking shoes, layers for variable weather, rain jacket, sunscreen and sunglasses (summer), warm coat and gloves (winter), small backpack for day trips, portable charger, and basic medications
Total Budget
$1,260-1,890 for 14 days (excluding international flights and visa fees)
Customize Your Trip
Budget Version
Stay in hostels ($15-25/night) and use dormitory accommodation. Eat at stolovayas (canteen-style restaurants) for $3-5 meals. Buy museum tickets separately rather than combination passes, focusing on free exterior sightseeing. Use overnight trains between cities to save on accommodation. Skip guided tours in favor of free walking tours. Prepare picnic lunches from supermarkets. Take buses instead of taxis. Visit museums on free admission days (often monthly). Total budget: $50-70 per day.
Luxury Upgrade
Stay at five-star hotels like the Four Seasons Moscow or Belmond Grand Hotel Europe St. Petersburg ($300-500/night). Book private guided tours of all major attractions with skip-the-line access. Dine at Michelin-recommended restaurants and enjoy Russian caviar tastings. Travel between cities by business class train or private car. Attend premium ballet performances in the best seats. Include a private evening Hermitage tour. Add helicopter tours over St. Petersburg. Arrange private hydrofoil to Peterhof. Total budget: $400-600 per day.
Family-Friendly
Include interactive experiences at Grand Maket Russia and Museum of Cosmonautics. Break up museum visits with park time and playground stops. Stay in family rooms or apartments with kitchens for flexible meal times. Visit Peterhof's trick fountains which children love. Add boat rides and metro exploration as activities. Choose restaurants with English menus and familiar options. Pack snacks and entertainment for train journeys. Consider shorter museum visits with focused highlights. Many museums offer family tickets and children's audio guides in English.
Book Activities for Your Trip
Tours, tickets, and experiences in Russia